Crisis Stabilization Case Manager - Shelter Association of Washtenaw County

SAWC Crisis Stabilization Case Manager Position Description

Reports to: Program Director and Housing Manager

The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

About Us:

Eight million Americans are one paycheck away from becoming homeless. In Washtenaw County, 5000 people are experiencing homelessness. The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County (SAWC) was established in 1982 and is the primary provider of services and emergency shelter for Washtenaw County individuals. SAWC is housed at the Robert J. Delonis Center in downtown Ann Arbor. SAWC works with a diverse range of people struggling with homelessness, including first-time homelessness, veterans, domestic violence survivors, and people battling substance abuse and/or mental health issues. Services are offered through our core programs: Residential Emergency Shelter, Non-Residential, Shelter Diversion, Critical-Time Intervention, and Warming Shelter. The SAWC serves almost 1500 people annually.

Mission: Ending homelessness, one person at a time.

Position Profile:

The Crisis Stabilization Case Manager is responsible for coordination and outreach with Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (WCCMH) to accept referrals to SAWC’s Housing Crisis Stabilization (HCS) 7 shelter bed program. Once admitted, they engage with clients, creating individual service plans, providing referrals, and housing readiness case management. They also provide referrals for basic needs and identify safe, affordable housing as soon as possible, following the “Housing First” model. They work extensively with community resources and act as a representative of SAWC while liaising with a number of other agencies, including WCCMH case management and SAWC’s Mental Health Coordinator. SAWC is seeking a candidate to be familiar with persons accessing mental health services and/or interest working with vulnerable populations. The position is scheduled during business hours, Monday through Friday, with occasional weekends and holidays as needed. In addition, to a caseload of 7 referred HCS clients, the case manager will support 5 to 8 non –residential clients with overcoming barriers and locating sustainable, affordable housing. In total the overall caseload will be 12 to 15 clients at a time.

The Crisis Stabilization Case Manager position may be temporary for at least 2.5 years. The position is funded through the WCCMH Millage Fund until 2027. If funding contracts are renewed the position will sustain as funding allows.

Pay & Benefits:

The position is a salaried, exempt position with an annual salary of $47,049. The Shelter Association of Washtenaw County offers a strong benefits package that includes: medical, dental, and vision insurance with very low deductibles; 403(b) retirement matching; flexible spending account, generous paid time off, disability & life insurance and a flexible schedule.

General Responsibilities:

• Assist where necessary with the orderly running of the Delonis Center.
• Manage assigned caseload of active cases.
• Transport clients in personal vehicle, as needed.
• Meet with clients in the community, as needed.
• Do real-time data entries in HMIS system to ensure that case record is complete and up-to-date.
• Support other case managers, as needed.

• Work weekends during winter months, and holidays, as assigned.
• Perform other assignments as directed by supervisor.
• Understand and utilize community resources, as appropriate to client needs.

Crisis Stabilization Case Manager Responsibilities- Caseload up to 7 HCS clients

• Review and process referrals from Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (WCCMH) for the 7 shelter bedHousing Crisis Stabilization (HCS) program with SAWC’s Mental Health Coordinator
• Orient admitted HCS clients into the program
• Create an Individual Service Plan (ISP) with the HCS client for goals to stabilize mental health and find newer coping strategies
• Create detailed housing plan to obtain supportive and/or permanent housing
• Attend monthly Care Coordination meetings for case review with WCCMH case managers/partners
• Ensure HCS clients are following ISP, being medication compliant, and attending medication reviews and meetings with their mental health provider
• Be on call to respond to WCCMH referrals until 9pm, Monday- Friday and additional crises for the clients
• Seek additionalactivities to promote HCS client engagement into the community
• Support HCS clients in connecting with peer supports
• Responsible for striving to meet the following program outcomes:
  • 60% referral acceptance rate
  • 30 individuals experiencing crisis served within the per project year (estimated average length of stay of 50 days)
  • 100% individuals receive care coordination and individualized service plan (ISP) created in collaboration with County andadditional community partners
  • 60% of individuals served discharge to stable housing
  • 90% of individuals linked to benefits and supports outlined in their ISP

Non-Residential Case Management Responsibilities – Caseload of 5-8 clients

• Meet with client upon case assignment, as soon as possible after admission.
• Conduct initial assessment of the client’s needs, desires, strengths and barriers.
• Create housing readiness plan with goals and timeframes.
• Set up regular follow-up meetings with client, based on client’s needs for intensity.
• Assess client progress and record in HMIS ServicePoint (Wellsky).
• Assist client in housing search, based upon a “Housing First” philosophy.
• Assist clients in applying for disability income, and other supportive benefits, as needed.
• Follow up, recommending exit, or reevaluating plan as needed.
• Attend and participate in Case Review meetings

Qualifications:

Associates Degree, professional certification, or alternative equivalent experience. Related experience preferred. Knowledge mental health and/or experiences is recommended for this profession. Knowledge of housing, mental health, chemical dependency, and poverty issues helpful. Experience in social work, social services, or human services helpful as well.

This person must be able to:

• Have clinical experience working with persons diagnosed with mental illness
• Be reliable
• Able to be assertive without being aggressive
• Able to work as a team member
• Utilize good judgment
• Be both welcoming and assertive

• Be culturally competent.
• Able to be mindful of personal boundaries, ethical obligations, and the primacy of client needs
• Mature in nature and professional in action

Application Process:

Please go to annarborshelter.org/employment to submit your resume and cover letter before September 19th, 2024. You may also apply on job sites directly. Please apply early as interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.